Trial Advocacy: Criminal Defense Externship Seminar (LAW-795-051)
Cobb, Raymond
Meets: (TBA)
Enrolled: 7 / Limit: 8
Notices
Permission required. Co-requisite: LAW-754-011
Description
D.C. PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE SEMINAR & EXTERNSHIP 4 Credit Hours. Offered Fall and Spring Semester We are pleased to announce an exciting new supervised experiential course offering. Interested students may register for an externship at the District of Columbia Public Defender Service and a companion Trial Advocacy Criminal Defense Externship Seminar. Enrollment is limited and by permission only. Students must enroll in both courses. Interested students should send a resume and one page essay explaining their interest in and commitment to a career as a public defender to Professor Angela Davis at angelad@wcl.american.edu. (Professor Davis is not teaching the course but will be screening applications). The course is composed of two related components (1) a classroom section and (2) a field study experience. Students meet for the classroom component once each week at the Office of the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS) for trial skills instruction from PDS lawyers. As part of the classroom component students participate as defense attorneys in a simulated case where they are responsible for preparation and trial presentations, including developing case theory; interviewing and examining witnesses; working through evidentiary issues; and presenting closing arguments to a jury. The second portion of this course is a 20-hour weekly externship. At least 10 of the 20, hours must be spent at PDS 2 days each week. During the externship, the students will be supervised by the attorneys in the office and may participate in work with clients and witnesses and in preparation of motions and trials. Students may also research issues in criminal law and procedure and participate in case investigations.
Textbooks and Other Materials
The textbook information on this page was provided by the instructor. Students should use this information when considering purchases from the AU Campus Store or other vendors. Students may check to determine if books are currently available for purchase online.
First Class Readings
Not available at this time.